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2008 Acura RDX

Interior

2008 Acura RDX Interior Review

Note: This interior review was created when the 2008 Acura RDX was new.

Scorecard

Interior:

7.7

The 2008 Acura RDX's cabin has been praised as comfortable, attractive and hi-tech.

The majority of reviewers find the SUV's five seats to be all-day comfortable, with ample head- and legroom, although a couple of reviewers think space is somewhat tight for backseat passengers. U.S. News reviewer Rick Newman describes the cockpit as "plush and fitted." MSN also gives the cabin a thumbs up, explaining, "Inside, the RDX does much better in commanding attention, thanks to the leather seats, a large display screen in the middle of the dashboard and even paddle shifters on the steering wheel for manually shifting gears."

Seating

Most reviewers find the standard leather seats to be comfortable and the cabin inviting. New Car Test Drive particularly likes the seats, adding, "The perforated leather seats (standard) are comfortable, and the driver can perch herself or himself up high, to see over the short nose of the car." The Detroit Free Press points out that there is ample head- and legroom up front, "but rear passenger space is limited." The Boston Globe also gives the front seats high marks but notices that the back might be cramped for "long-legged passengers." However, other reviewers, such as Kelley Blue Book, find that there is ample space in the backseat. The RDX is equipped with a 60/40-split folding backseat.

Interior Features

The RDX's knobs and controls have been generally described as easy to use, although a few reviews, such as Newsday and the San Francisco Chronicle, complain that glare from the sun can make the gauges difficult to read. In addition, Consumer Guide comments, "We think the dashboard puts style over function," adding that "Most controls are logical and handy, but audio/climate settings are undersized readouts in a distant dashtop slit." Still, most reviewers approve the of the RDX's high-tech aspects. U.S. News reviewer Rick Newman sums it up best by saying that "the cockpit is plush and fitted. Most of us these days have a love-hate relationship with modern technology. In this car, love wins out."

As far as the level of equipment goes, Edmunds says, "For the entry-level luxury crossover SUV segment, the Acura RDX stands out for its list of premium standard features." These include perforated leather-trimmed sports seats that are heated for the front; cruise control; 12-volt power outlets; XM satellite radio; an MP3 auxiliary input jack; and a 360-watt Acura Premium Sound System with AM/FM tuner, six-disc in-dash CD, MP3, WMA and seven speakers. According to Cars.com, new standard features for 2008 include an eight-inch multi-information display, Bluetooth wireless interface, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and dual-position memory for the mirrors and driver's seat.

Stereo and Entertainment

The Acura RDX is equipped with a 360-watt Acura Premium Sound System with AM/FM tuner, six-disc in-dash CD, MP3, WMA and seven speakers. The Technology Package upgrades to a navigation system as well as a 410-watt Acura/ELS Surround Premium Sound System with 10 speakers, DVD-Audio, MP3, WMA and a DTS® changer. CNET explains, "The stereo system in the RDX is big news, as the premium system was tuned by Elliot Scheiner, producer of hit songs such as the Eagles' ‘Hotel California.' "

Navigation

Reviewers generally like the navigation system, which is part of the Technology Features Package, and found it extremely helpful while driving, but a few found it difficult to use. According to Acura, the system also features real-time traffic information that can warn drivers about traffic congestion. Despite most reviewers' high praise about its abilities, there are those who found fault. The Detroit News reviewer found that during a test drive on rural roads, the system failed to warn the driver that a particular road was closed. An Acura spokesperson later informed the reviewer that this was due to the fact that the system "mostly covers big cities."

Cargo

Most reviewers also give the cargo space a thumbs up. According to the Chicago Tribune, "RDX has a lot of surprise-and-delight features that make it worth a look. Lift the center armrest, for example, and the locking stowage compartment underneath is cavernous. It will hold a laptop computer, briefcase or purse."

Edmunds observes that the cargo area is "on the small side compared to most rivals..." However, Kelley Blue Book thinks it's sufficient, noting that "fold-flat rear seats extend the capacity of an already generous cargo area." The Cars.com reviewer agrees, claiming that the Acura RDX's "cargo area is right up there with the best I've seen." According to Acura, the RDX's cargo volume (with the seats up) is 28.8 cubic feet.